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the small boats in the river all proceeded to the place where the American aeroplane had alighted. Night fell softly over the river, and half an hour later form the banks of the river, only the gay lights of Rochester, and the various vessels surrounding it, were to be seen. At 6.00 o'clock at Black Horse Square, it was already difficult to get through the crowd to go on board the Rochester, where the reception offered by Admiral Plunkett, was to take place. Those invited were taken aboard in elegant gasolene boats, manned by American sailors. At 8.00 o'clock the America was vessel was overflowing with those invited, among whome were noticed a large number of ladies of the various allied nations. The deck presented a beautiful aspect. An enormous America Flag covered the whole after deck. Those invited were awaited at the top of the gangway by the higher officials of the vessel, and received with the extreme courtesy. At the same time the band executed brilliant concert of Portugese and Brazilian music. The guests included all the higher Portugese Officials and Foreign Representatives. The Portugese Minister of Marine congratulated Admiral Plunkett on the United States being the first to successfully cross the Atlantic Ocean. But, an impatience, full of anxiety and enthusiasm dominated all those present. All glasses were turned towards the spot which was not almost invisible, where the messengers from the new worlk had landed. Finally,shortly after 9.00 o'clock, the dark form of the aeroplane appears on the left bank of the river in the direction of the so-called "staw sea", endeavoring to make the landing in front of the city. The enthusiasm was indescribable. A profound and almost religious silence dominated those on the vessel. Meanwhile the expert pilot, who conducted the aeroplance, succeeds in carryingout th emaneuver. After a circular, and graceful flight, he takes teh water in front of St. Vincent, vibrating withthe great victory which he had just inscribed in the history of modern peoples. above the river appeared numerous lights The arrival of the aviators is expected on board the Rochester, and, as a matter of fact, they came on board a half an hour after landing, in a launch from this vessel, which went to get them. They were received with warm acclamations, and from all those on board, an enthusiastic and prolonged hurrah burst forth. Immediately after, the order of the Tower and Sword, was bestowed upon them, and this ceremony was very simple and touching. The honor of bestowing these decorations upon the AmericanAviators fell to the Minister of Marine, who began with the Crew of the NC-4. The Government Officials, the Minister of America, the British Minister, and other members of the diplomatic corps, the foreign military missions, and the newspaper correspondents, formed a circle around this group, and at the same time, the crew of the Rochester, clinging to various parts of the vessel, cheered lustily each tine a conqueror was decorated. The American Minister mad e a speech full of eloquence and patriotism. He referred with enthusiasm and emotion, to the glorious conquest of the United States in the field of aviation, showing the advantages which result therefrom for the entire world --- for the world which wants to live and progress -- and finally, for Portugal and for the Portugese, he had kind words of appreciation. "The Americans", ex- -3-